Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella are oral contraceptives used by millions of women each year. Yaz, Yasmin, and the generic form of the drug Ocella all containe drospireone, which other oral contraceptives do not contain. Yasmin contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol per tablet, while Yaz contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 20 mcg of ethinylestradiol per tablet. Ocella is the generic version of Yasmin. Research has shown that drospirenone leads to a higher risk of blood clots than other contraceptives.

Severe Yaz and Yasmin Side Effects

Yaz and Yasmin have been linked to the following severe side effects as a result of the increased risk of blood clots:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Stroke
• Heart Attack

Many of the patients who experience these symptoms had no prior history of blood clots. These oral contraceptives have also been linked with these serious side effects:

• Gallstones
• Gallbladder Removal
• Kidney Failure
• Pancreatic Cancer

In October 2008, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer to pull misleading ads from the public overstating the efficacy of the drug and minimizing the risks associated with the drug. In August 2009, two British Medical Journal studies were published that found Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella lead to a higher risk of venous blood clots, or venous thrombosis, than other oral contraceptives available on the market. These blood clots may lead to such adverse health effects as heart attack, stroke, and development of pulmonary embolism. Use of these contraceptives may also lead to gallbladder disease and pancreatitis.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

Thousands of lawsuits are currently pending against Bayer, the manufacturer of Yaz and Yasmin, since they did not adequately disclose the increased risks of taking the drug. The lawyers at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm have extensive knowledge about drug litigation. If you or a loved one has suffered the side effects listed above and you suspect Yaz , Yasmin or Ocella may have caused them, contact our office immediately. Each drug case is unique, and most have a specific time frame in which you can file a lawsuit. Our law firm can provide you with a free no-obligation consultation and explain your legal rights.

Resource Links

Yaz in the News
Visit this link from bnet.com to read about one of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) studies on Yaz, which concluded that the contraceptive causes more blood clots than other contraceptives. You can also download and read the BMJ study on Yaz from this page.

Warning Letter to Bayer Regarding Yaz Marketing
Visit this link from the FDA's website to read a warning letter sent by the FDA to Bayer Pharmaceuticals regarding the misleading nature of the Yaz advertisements.